Sailing with Disney Cruise Q & A

Disney Cruise Q&A

  

 


Sailing with Disney Cruise Line

Q&A


Question:  I am interested in visiting Walt Disney World® Resort prior to sailing on a Disney cruise.   What packages are available?


Answer: Disney offers pre and post cruise vacation add-on options to the Walt Disney World Resort.  You can stay at one of 18 select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, add tickets to all four Disney Theme Parks, and round trip ground transportation from the Orlando International Airport.  For more information contact Leila Dada @ Cruise Planners/CRUISE AND TRAVEL SPECIALTY at (866) 380-0120.


Question: I am interested in visiting the Disneyland® Resort prior to my 7-Night Mexican Riviera cruise. What packages are available?


Answer: Pre- and/or post-nights can be arranged at the Disneyland® Resort by CRUISE AND TRAVEL SPECIALTY agents.


Question:  I am interested in spending a couple of nights in Vancouver prior to my 7-Night Alaskan cruise.   What is available?


Answer:   Pre and post nights in Vancouver can be arranged for you.


Question: Do you have to make reservations to dine at Remy on the Disney Dream and is there a charge?


Answer: Reservations are required and can be made online or on board the ship.  When dining at Remy, Guests will skip the regularly scheduled Main Dining restaurant.   Online reservations are available at the following times:


  • Concierge Guests:                           120 days in advance

  • Castaway Club Levels:

    • Platinum Castaways:              120 days in advance

    • Gold Castaways:                    105 days in advance

    • Silver Castaways:                    90 days in advance


  • First Time Cruiser:                              75 days in advance

 

An additional charge of $75 per person is required to dine at Remy, in addition to the cost of wine and alcoholic beverages.



Question: Is there a height requirement to ride the AquaDuck?


Answer: The minimum height requirement is 48 inches.


Question: When will the remaining 2012 sail dates be available to book?


Answer: Our guests have told us that, to them, cruising with Disney is also about going to new places.  So, in the long term, we are looking at a variety of itinerary options for our fleet.  We anticipate announcing the remainder of 2012 itineraries mid 2011.



Question: What are the deposit amounts and payment requirements for the Maiden Voyage of the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy?


Answer: The deposit for the Maiden Voyage of the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy is 20% of the per person voyage fare which must be paid by 11:59 p.m. on the day of booking.  This deposit is non-refundable.  Final payment is due 105 days prior to sailing. 


Question: Why are there no suites or concierge staterooms available on the Maiden Voyage of the Disney Fantasy?


Answer: At this time, only the non-suite/non-concierge categories are available.  However, if you are interested in obtaining a suite or concierge stateroom, we would be happy to place a waitlist request for our guests.


Question: Can you share some facts about the Disney Fantasy?


Answer:   Ship Registry: Bahamas

-          Tonnage: 130,000 gross tons

-          Passenger Decks: 14

-          Capacity: 4,000 Guests

-          Staterooms:  1,250 (12% inside and 88% oceanview)

 

Question: What services are available on board for Guests with disabilities?  


Answer: Transfer tiers are provided at one of our feature pools. Sand wheelchairs are available at Disney’s Castaway Cay. Wheelchair accessible restrooms are available in the shipboard common areas. Assistive Listening Systems are available in the main theatres and show rooms. Closed captioning is available for stateroom televisions and selected onboard video monitors. American Sign Language interpretation is available for live performances on designated cruise dates. Stateroom Communication Kits containing door knock and phone alerts, phone amplifier, bed shaker notification, a strobe light smoke detector and a Text Typewriter (TTY) are available.


Question: Are there wheelchair-accessible staterooms available on Disney ships?


Answer: Yes. Disney Cruise Line offers staterooms and suites equipped for Guests with disabilities. Features include ramped bathroom thresholds, open bed frames, added phones in the bathroom and nightstand, bathroom and shower handrails, fold-down shower seats, hand-held shower heads, lowered towel and closet bars, and Emergency Call Buttons. All staterooms are non-smoking.


Please note that Guests requiring a wheelchair throughout their cruise must make provisions for the use of that wheelchair prior to the cruise.


Question:  When can Guests book the new Beach Cabanas at Castaway Cay?


Answer: The following Castaway Cay enhancements are now open to Guests: 

  • Beach Cabanas

o   Rental for the entire day will cost approximately $499 for up to six Guests. Pricing is subject to change.

o   Guests can reserve the Beach Cabanas at the Port Adventures Desk on Deck 3.

  • Cookies Too – a new family lunch buffet located in a covered pavilion just steps from the expanded family beach.

  • Sand Bar – a new beach bar

  • Hideout – teen retreat


Question: What are the differences between the Disney Magic® and the Disney Wonder®?


Answer: The ships are virtually identical. The artistic and creative traditions of Disney flourish throughout both.  Disney Magic embarked on its maiden voyage from Port Canaveral, Florida, on July 30, 1998. It was joined by its sister ship, Disney Wonder, on August 15, 1999.


There are some stylistic differences. The bow of the Disney Magic has Sorcerer Mickey; the bow of the Disney Wonder has Steamboat Willie. The stern of the Disney Magic has Goofy painting, while Donald Duck and his nephew Huey are painting the stern of the Disney Wonder. The interior of the Disney Magic is art deco, characterized by slender forms, straight lines and a sleekness that expresses modern technology. The interior of the Disney Wonder is art nouveau, characterized by an "art from nature" feel, with whimsical, swirling wave designs. And the statues in each lobby are different: Helmsman Mickey in the Disney Magic and Ariel from Disney's The Little Mermaid in the Disney Wonder.

 

Question: What if someone gets sick?


Answer:   For your convenience, a physician and nurse are on call 24 hours a day to provide basic medical services on every cruise. The physician and nurse are employed by a company independent from Disney Cruise Line. Standard prevailing fees will be charged for all physician and nurse services. If you require any prescription drug, be sure to bring an adequate supply in its original container. You should keep it in your carry-on luggage so it is easily at hand. Please keep in mind that a child who shows symptoms of physical illness such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained rashes or discharge from the nose or eyes may be excluded from participation in activities as well as from babysitting services in Flounder's Reef Nursery. For your peace of mind in case of unexpected medical emergencies, we recommend the purchase of the Disney Cruise Vacation Insurance for costs incurred for treatment and medical evaluation/repatriation.


 

Question:  Where can I smoke on board?


Answer:  Because we support the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act, smoking is prohibited in all interior spaces throughout our ships. However, as we wish to provide a cruise experience that satisfies everyone, Guests are permitted to smoke on private verandahs and the starboard-side, open-air decks. We periodically review our policy to ensure continued Guest satisfaction. Please note that, due to differences in size and the availability of some services while out at sea, our policies sometimes differ slightly from the Walt Disney World Resort.


Question: Can I sail if I am pregnant?


Answer:  Women who have entered their 24th week of pregnancy as of their embarkation date will be refused passage due to safety concerns. Neither a physician's medical statement nor a waiver of liability will be accepted. In addition, Disney Cruise Line cannot be held responsible or liable for any complications relating to pregnancy at any stage.

 


Question:  How old does my infant have to be to sail?


Answer:  Your child needs to be at least 12 weeks old on the date you sail.

 

Question:  Is there babysitting?


Answer:  Group babysitting is available for children 12 weeks to 3 years old at Flounder's Reef Nursery on the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder, and at It's a Small World Nursery aboard the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy—all located on Deck 5, Midship. Guests may book babysitting times online in advance of embarkation or may sign up their children on embarkation day. The facility is open for select hours every day. Rates and times are subject to change and space is limited.

 

Question:  Is it true that children must be toilet trained in order to enter the pools?


Answer:  Yes. The United States Public Health Service requires that only children who are toilet trained be permitted to enter swimming pools and spas onboard cruise ships. Young children who are not toilet trained are welcome to enjoy the fountain play area near the Mickey Pool. It's designed exclusively for the enjoyment of children wearing swim diapers.

 

Question:  What is the policy on alcoholic beverages?


Answer:  The drinking age aboard ship is 21. Valid photo I.D. is required. Disney Cruise Line reserves the right to refuse sale and/or service to anyone.


Question:  What should I wear to dinner?


Answer:  Dining Dress requirements vary by venue or theme night on your cruise. In general, most meals are "Cruise Casual"—no shorts, swimwear or tank tops. Most cruises also have special theme nights with additional attire requirements. Here's a breakdown of these events by cruise itinerary.


On 3-night cruises:

  • One cruise casual night—no shorts, swimwear or tank tops

  • One pirate or tropical night (deck party)

  • One "dress-up night"—jacket for men, dress or pantsuit for women

 

On 4-night cruises:

  • First night: cruise casual—no shorts, swimwear or tank tops

  • One pirate or tropical night (deck party)

  • One "dress-up night"—jacket for men, dress or pantsuit for women

  • Final night: cruise casual—no shorts, swimwear or tank tops

 

On 7-night cruises:

  • First night: cruise casual—no shorts, swimwear or tank tops

  • Three additional "cruise casual" nights—no shorts, swimwear or tank tops

  • One pirate or tropical night (deck party)

  • One formal and one semi-formal night—formal wear for men: tuxedo or suit; for women: gown or dress; semi-formal wear for men: suit/jacket; for women: dress or pantsuit.

 

Question:  Is room service available?


Answer:  You can order room service 24 hours a day. From 7:00 to 10:00 a.m., complimentary continental breakfast will be delivered to your stateroom upon request (excluding disembarkation morning). For Guests in Category 1, 2 and 3 staterooms, a full breakfast is served upon request from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m., with the exclusion of disembarkation morning.



Question:  Can I request with whom to sit at dinner?


Answer:  Every person in your stateroom will be at your table. At the time of booking, you can specify other people to sit with who will also be on board. If you don't, assignments will be made to fill in your table. Generally, adults without children will dine with other adults, while families dine with other families.



Question:  Do you offer meals for special dietary needs?


Answer:  Low-sodium meals, kosher meals and certain other special diet-restricted meals are available. Please detail any dietary requests at the time of booking so that we can accommodate your dining requirements.



Question:  Can I get connecting staterooms?


Answer:  There are several connecting staterooms on board the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. However, they are subject to availability when booking and may go fast, so be sure to book early. The Disney Dream was designed specifically to accommodate larger families and groups. It has 500 connecting doors that allow for adjoining staterooms. Staterooms with verandahs that connect feature a partition that may be opened to create a larger shared balcony.

 

Question:  Can I have an extra cot in my stateroom?


Answer:  Sorry, but we cannot bring extra cots into staterooms; however, when you book your reservation, your room will be set up with the appropriate amount of bunk beds or cribs to accommodate your entire party.

 

Question:  When can I board the ship?


Answer:  For our Bahamian and Caribbean cruises, check-in registration begins at 10:30 a.m. and embarkation begins at 1:00 p.m. All Guests must board the ship no later than 4:00 p.m. Please plan your arrival accordingly to avoid the possibility of not being permitted to sail with us. For the European and Mediterranean cruises, check-in registration and embarkation typically begins at 10:30 a.m.

 

Question:  Can coolers and/or food items be brought on board?


Answer: Coolers are not permitted except for those needed for medications, baby food or items related to dietary constraints. Items must be pre-packaged, unopened and cannot require any food prep from the kitchen. Coolers filled with personal items (e.g. soda, chips, candy, etc.) may not be brought on board. Homemade items or pre-cooked items purchased on the way to the ship will not be allowed to be brought aboard. Also, open bags or containers of snack items should not be brought aboard. All items will need to be stored in the stateroom; the ship's storage and/or refrigeration are not available to use.

 

Question:  Should I bring cash, credit cards or foreign currency?


Answer: You won't really need cash on the Disney ships, but when you get to port, you'll probably want to have some money with you. In the Bahamas and the Caribbean, U.S. dollars and major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. For European and Mediterranean cruises, bring traveler's checks to the ports to exchange for local currency. On board our ships, all transactions are in U.S. dollars. You won't need cash while we're at sea because Disney Cruise Line has a convenient "cash-free" system on board the ship. When you arrive at the Walt Disney World Resort or at the Disney Cruise Line terminal at Port Canaveral, your signature will be requested for check-in. At this time you may also present a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Credit Card, Diners Club International, Japanese Credit Bureau or Disney's Visa Credit Card), which will give you charging privileges at both the Walt Disney World Resort and aboard the ship. Any purchases on the ship, including beverage services, spa, salon services, photography, medical and laundry services, purchases from our retail shops, gratuities and any item or service of a personal nature must be charged to your room. All charges must be settled before your Resort departure and debarkation from the ship by cash, traveler's checks, Disney Dollars or by the credit cards mentioned above.

 

Question: What are the benefits of acquiring a passport?


Answer: In addition to providing you and your family with valid identification, having a passport prepares you to travel wherever you desire. It also offers an extra level of security while overseas. For example, in the unlikely event that you experience a family emergency during your cruise and need to return home via air from a foreign port, you would already possess the appropriate identification needed to travel. In addition, passports are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children.


Question: We've never been on a cruise. What do we need to know?


Answer: With Disney Cruise Line, you'll find that your tickets, air transportation and transfers (if you choose the Disney Cruise Vacations Air Program), stateroom accommodations, meals and entertainment on board have all been arranged. All you need to do is pack, and you don't need to bring much, because the atmosphere is casual and informal. If you forget something, we have shops right on board!

 

Question: What proof of citizenship do I need to bring?


Answer: In order to board the ship, all Guests are required to provide proper travel documentation. Guests unable to provide proof of citizenship will not be permitted to sail. All Guests claiming U.S. citizenship, including children, must present one of the following as proof of U.S. citizenship:

  • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport.

  • Original state issued Birth Certificate; additionally, Guests 18 years of age and older must present a photo ID issued by a Local, State or Federal Government agency.

  • Original Certificate of Naturalization; additionally, Guests 18 years of age and older must present a photo ID issued by a Local, State or Federal Government agency.

  • Original Certificate of Citizenship; additionally, Guests 18 years of age and older must present a photo ID issued by a Local, State or Federal Government agency.

  • Original Consular Report of Birth Abroad of U.S. Citizen; additionally, Guests 18 years of age and older must present a photo ID issued by a Local, State or Federal Government agency.

 


Copies of any of the above documents are not acceptable. We are unable to make any exceptions or accept any other forms of documentation for U.S. citizenship. If you do not present the proper documentation, you will not be permitted to board the ship.


Please visit our section on Travel Document Information for the most up to date proof of citizenship requirements.


All travelers, including U.S. Citizens and all foreign nationals, are required to have a valid passport to enter or re-enter the United States by air as of January 23, 2007.


At Disney Cruise Line, we ask that you provide your passport number at least 75 days prior to the start of your vacation in your Guest Information Form in My Online Check-In. Visit My Passport Page for the information you need to apply for a passport, including how much time is generally required to receive your passport. United States citizens can also visit the State Department's travel website, or call the U.S. National Passport Information Center for more information.


In addition, on the day of your sailing, all Guests must board the ship no later than 4:00 p.m. (European and Mediterranean cruises may require a one-day prior arrival. Check with your travel agent for details.) Please plan your arrival accordingly to avoid the possibility of not being permitted to sail with us.


Please note that security guidelines require all adult Guests to show a picture ID to embark and disembark the ship in all ports, including Castaway Cay. Please be advised that anyone under the age of 18 wishing to go ashore unaccompanied will be required to have a consenting parent, guardian or other responsible adult with them at the gangway, to provide their signature as authorization.



Question: How far in advance should I book a Disney cruise?


Answer: Booking early is the best way to get a great price and your choice of available staterooms. For the best prices, we recommend you book one year in advance. Special cruises and itineraries, as well as our Category 1 and 2 suites, tend to sell out quickly.

 

Question:  Are there adults-only places on board?


Answer: There are many places on a Disney Cruise Line ship for adults-only activities. The Quiet Cove Area , which has a pool, spa and bar, as well as the Cove Cafe are all off-limits to anyone under 18. The Vista Spa & Salon on the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder, as well as the Senses Spa & Salon on the Disney Dream offer adult-only treatments. In addition, there are many lounges that are just for adults—along with music and themed parties. And Palo, our most elegant and romantic restaurant, offers fine dining on all cruises for adults only, a champagne brunch on 4-night and longer cruises and high tea on 7-night and longer cruises.

 

Question: What is the best time of year to sail?


Answer: That depends on your preferences. Summer and holidays, including spring break, are the most popular periods with our Guests. If you prefer these periods, it is recommended that you book the vacation a year in advance for the best price and stateroom availability. However, if your schedule is flexible, sailing during non-peak periods (such as the fall) offers a great value. As always, the farther in advance you book, the better the rate.

 

Question: What's included in the basic price of a Disney cruise?


Answer: Your vacation package price includes almost everything on board—from your stateroom to breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, along with soft drinks served at meals and at the beverage station on Deck 9, and snacks and ice cream throughout the ship. All onboard activities and entertainment are included. While you're sailing, there are only a few things that will require an additional charge: shore excursions, spa or salon visits, phone calls, photos, video games, Internet usage and all alcoholic beverages.

 

Question: Will I get to see Disney Characters on board?


Answer: The beloved Disney Characters appear in an array of different settings, including plenty of meet-and-greet and photo opportunities, along with stage shows and other special programs—especially in kids' areas at Disney's Oceaneer Club and on Castaway Cay. A Character Breakfast is only available on the 7-night cruises, but there are many opportunities to meet Characters on all cruises.